Coffee maker



March 18, 1952 Original Filed July 12, 1947 L. BURGESS COFFEE MAKER 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Rm W L. BURGESS COFFEE MAKER March 18, 1952 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed July 12, 1947 VENTOR L. BURGESS COFFEE MAKER March 18, 1952 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed July 12, 1947 www lNVENT March 18, 1952 BURGESS 2,589,336

COFFEE MAKER Original Filed July 12, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet e March 18, 1952 L. BURGESS 2,589,336

COFFEE MAKER Original Filed July 12, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet v Z] VENTORWI March 18, 1952 BURGESS 2,589,336

COFFEE MAKER Original Filed July 12, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR March 18, 1952 r 1.. BURGESS COFFEE MAKER 1O Sheets-Sheet 9 Original Filed July 12, 1947 INVENTOR March 18, 1952 BURGESS 2,589,336

COFFEE MAKER Original Filed July 12, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet l0 INVENTOR Patented Mar. 18, 1952 COFFEE NIAKER Louis Burgess, Jersey City, N. J.

Original application July 12, 1947, Serial No. 760,599. Divided and this application October 28, 1949, Serial No. 124,066

'7 Claims.

The present invention is an improvement upon the coffee maker described in my U. S. Patent 2,149,270 of March 7, 1939, and is a division of my copending application, Serial No. 760,599 filed July 12, 1947.

The machine shown anddescribed in my said prior patent in the complete form in which it is adapted for restaurant and similar use includes the following:

A. A tank from which a predetermined amount of hot water is extracted whenever the machine is operated. The water in this tank is' automatically maintined at a predetermined level by a float control inlet valve and this water is automatically maintained at boiling temperature by a thermostatically controlled heating device.

.8. A dispenser which delivers a predetermined amount of ground roasted coffee when the machine is operated.

C. A receptacle into which said coffee and said water are introduced and in which they are mixed.

D. An imperforate self-dumping overflow type centrifuge into which the mixture of coffee and water flows from said receptacle and in which the mixture is separated into a clarified coffee beverage which overflows the upper lip or rim of the centrifuge and a residue of coffee grounds which is ejected from said centrifuge after said centrifuge has stopped.

E. A collector ring encircling the overflow lip or rim of the centrifuge by which the clarified coffee beverage is collected and from which it is conducted to asuitable receptacle.

F. An automatic timing device whereby the steps involved in the operation of the machine are carried through in sequence whenever the machine is set in operation.

The improvements to this machine constituting the present invention will be fully understood from the following description read in conjunction with the drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of my improved coffee maker, with certain parts in section;

Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof, with certain parts removed;

Fig. 3 is a cross-section through a detail of construction;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section along the plane IV IV of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a vertical section along plane VV of Fig. 1;

Figs. 6, 7, 8 and 9 are various detail views of parts of the construction shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 10 is a side view of a part of the construction shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the showing of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a broken cross-sectional view along plane XIIXII of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a horizontal section along plane XIII-XIII of Fig. 1;

Fig. 14 is a partial sectional view along plane XIV-XIV of Fig. 13;

Figl 15 is a partial sectional view along plane XVXV of Fig. 13;

Fig. 16 is a sectional view showin a detail of construction;

Fig. 1'? is a view partly in diametral section of the dispenser shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 18 is a full bottom view of the showing of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of part of the showing of Fig. 1'7;

Fig. 20 is a rear view of the timing device according to my invention;

Fig. 21 is a front view thereof;

Fig. 22 is a right side view thereof;

Fig. 23 is a left side view thereof;

Fig. 24 is a plan view of the timing device of Figs. 20 to 23, showing in addition certain other details of construction;

Fig. 25 is a vertical section along plane XXV--XXV of Fig. 1;

Figs. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32 and 35 are detail views showing corresponding positions of a number of cams which are part of the timing device shown in Figs. 20-24 inc.;

Fig. 31 is a top view of part of the showing of Fig. 30;

Fig. 33 is a left side View of part of the showing of Fig. 32;

Fig. 34 is a detail view with certain parts removed of part of the showing of Fig. 32.

Fig. 36 is a wiring diagram for my machine.

The parts of the machine are assembled on base 1 (Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5) supported by suitable legs 2. Tank 3 is mounted on one end of this base and comprises vertical shell 4 carrying at its upper edge flange 5 to which cover 6 is detachably secured by screws. Water enters the tank through pipe [9 (Figs. 1 and 2) communicating with a water pressure source (not shown in the drawing) Flow into the interior of the tank is controlled by needle valve 13 (Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 13) discharging into tube I l. The operation of valve [3 is controlled by float I6 operating through arm l8 and push rod l5 in such a manner that this valve is closed when the level of water in the tank reaches a predetermined level indicated by I! (Figs. 1 and 4). Water level gauge glass l9 (Fig. 1) communicating at top with the open atmosphere provides convenient means to check this level. Whenever water is withdrawn from the tank, float It falls slightly, push rod i is thereby raised and water flows into the tank from tube M via pipe I 0 until the predetermined level (I7) is reached. Chamber 2| is open at the bottom to receive heat from burner 22 (Figs. 1 and 4) and at its top communicates with identical stacks 23 and 24 (Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 13). The function of chamber 2| is to transfer the heat delivered by burner 22 to the water in the tank, while stacks 23 and 24 carry off the gaseous combustion products of the burner. Burner 22 receives gas through pipe 25 (Fig. 1). The amount of gas is controlled by bulb or thermally responsive element 23 located in the lower part of tank 3 directly under the outlet of cold water admission tube It and operating through thermostat 27 (Fig. 1) so that whenever cold water is admitted into tank 3 or the water in the bottom of said tank otherwise falls below the boiling point, the burner flame increases. The dimensions of identical stacks 23 and 24 are such that enough heat is communicated to the water in the upper part of the tank to keep it at the boiling temperature even though the water in the lower part of the tank is temporarily below the boiling point. This insures that some steam will be continuously generated in the upper part of tank 3, the use and application of which will be described hereinafter. When the water in the lower part of tank 3 is at the boiling point thermostat 2'? (Fig. 1) cuts down the burner flame. The bypass of thermostat 2! is adjusted for minimum flame, such that even when the burner is cut down the necessary extent of boiling and steam evolution in the upper part of tank 3 will be maintained.

Up to this point the means described is for the purpose of maintaining a volume of water in tank 3, of maintaining at least the upper part of this water at boiling temperature, and of maintaining controlled evolution of steam therefrom. In the operation of the machine, a predetermined amount of water is abstracted from the upper part of tank 3 when the machine is operated.

The equipment for this purpose includes container 38 (Figs. 1, 2 and l) located in the upper part of tank 3 below water level l7 and vented into the space above said water level H by pipe 3|. Screw 29 secures pipe 3| to shell 4 of tank 3 (Fig. 2) Details of the mechanism by which con tainer 3|] is alternately filled from tank 3 or discharged to a point external to said tank appear from Figs. 1, 3 and 4-. This comprises pipe 28 extending at one end into container 30 (Figs. 1 and 4) and at the other end into extension 29 of valve 32. The plunger 33 of said valve is of the combination slide and poppet type, the side wall fitting snugly bore 34 of valve 32 (Fig. 3), while the frustro-conical surface 35 makes liquid-tight contact with frustro-conical seat 36. The plunger is actuated by push rod 3 1 operating through stufiing box 38. When the plunger is in the position shown in Fig. 3, container 3|! (Figs. 2 and 4) is in free communication, via pipe 26, with outlet 39 and the contents of container 39 flow out of tank 3. When, however, plunger 33 is in its lowest position, outlet 39 is blocked by the poppet valve consisting of surface 35 and seat 36, now in liquid-tight contact, whereupon water flows from the interior of tank 3 through port 4i (Figs. 1 and 3) and through the bore 34 of valve 32 back into container 30.

The dispenser il which delivers a predetermined amount of ground roasted coffee is illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 1'7 and 18. The dispenser comprises cylindrical bore 42 and integral therewith fiange 43 and rim &4 which hold glass cylinder 45. The cylinder is surmounted by the removable cover 46. The bottom of cylindrical bore 42 is provided with floor ll. Upstanding shaft 48 is journaled in the exact center of this floor. Pinned to this shaft is hub 49 which carries eight radially disposed vanes 50 (Figs. 2 and 1'7). These vanes define eight pockets (Fig. 2) which by their rotational movement operate to progressively bring charges of coifee over discharge port 5| in floor 37 (Fig. 18). Cover plate 52 (Figs. 2 and 1'7) secured to cylindrical bore 42 (Fig. 1'7) overlays port 5| to prevent coifee from running out of said port (Fig. 18) except as transported by vanes 50 to a position overlaying said port. To the upper part of shaft 58 there is pinned hub 55 (Figs. 2 and 1'7) bearing three sweeps 56 which sweep the upper surface of cover plate 52 to prevent accumulation of ground coffee thereon.

Dispenser 4| additionally requires some means for moving hub 49 and attached vanes 58. This means includes gear 59 (Figs. 1'7 and 18) splined to the lower end of shaft Q8. This gear is periodically engaged by a hook 6| journaled at 62 to arm 63 of bracket 64. Spring 66 (Fig. 17) serves to impel said hook into contact with said gear. Bracket 64 borne by vertical shaft 65 is bored to loosely engage stub 65 secured in and depending from floor i? of the dispenser. As is evident from this construction, when shaft 65 and bracket 64 carried thereby are moved in one direction, hub %9 will be carried. through a fraction of a complete revolution, but when shaft 65 and therewith bracket B Z move in the reverse direction, hook 6| will merely slide over the beveled teeth of ear 59 (Fig. 18) without moving hub 39 (Fig. 1'7). In practice, I find it highly ad,- visable that this movement be carried out gradually and progressively throughout the major part of the operating cycle of the machine. This being the case, it is evident that unless suitable provision were made, the coffee in the pocket, formed by two of vane 59, moving over discharge port 5| (Figs. 2, 1'7 and 18) would fall continuously out through said discharge port. Inasmuch as the coffee must however be discharged at the commencement of the operating cycle, suitable means is incorporated to hold this charge of coffee in the dispenser until required. This means includes plate it (Figs. 1'7, 18 and 19) pivoting about shaft 33 and slidable parallel to discharge port 5| to uncover same. Hook 72 is journaled at 73 to arm id of horizontal bracket 64. When hook 6| reaches the position of maximum advance, the pocket defined by two of vanes 58 has been brought directly over dis charge port 5|. At this time slot ?5 of hook 72 engages pin H on plate 73 and when horizontal bracket 64 and hook l2 actuated thereby move in the reverse direction plate 7E3 slides to uncover discharge port 5|. This uncovering is effected at a suitable time in the beginning of the machines cycle as, will be hereinafter explained. When bracket 66 commences to return, shoulder '76 (Fig. 18) of hook i2 is engaged by dog 17 resiliently pivotable about pin 79 against the action of spring 78 one end of which is connected to arm 8| of dog 77 and the other to stub 82 provided on the bottom of floor 47. Hook 72 is thereby forced out of engagement with pin 7| and plate returns to closed position, covering port 5|, under the influence of spring 83, one

end of which is connected to pin 84 on arm 85 of plate I9 while the other end is connected to stud 86 protruding downward from dispenser fioor 4'1. The further movement of bracket 64 forces dog 'I'I out of engagement with shoulder 16, thereby freeing hook '12. As shown in Fig. 18 plate I9 has not yet been moved by hook I2 to the maximum open position. When it is in maximum open position dog 11 under the infiuenc'e of spring 19 snaps into position in which it engages shoulder 16. Shaft 55 and bracket "M immediately thereafter start to turn in the reverse direction, and since shoulder '16 is restrained by engagement with dog "Il, hook 12 tends to pivot outwardly about the rod 13. The first effect of this is to cause hook 72 to release pin "II, whereupon plate 19 under the influence of spring 83 snaps to the closed position. As bracket M continues to turn, the hook 12 being restrained by engagement of shoulder I6 with doe. TI, tends to pivot outwardly further about rod 13. This causes hook 12 to exert pressure against the free end of arm 9! until dog I! is snapped out of engagement with shoulder '16 thereby releasing hook l2. Hook I2 is then drawn inwardly by a small helical spring (hidden by bracket l l). As bracket 14 returns to its maximum limiting position, hook I2 slips over the pin'lI and reengages it. During this stage, as previously explained, hook 9| by engagement with toothed gear 59, turns the hub to bring a new charge over the discharge outlet 5|. Plate I9 is supported by rigid bar 89 pivotally carried by the lower end of shaft 99.

Some of the finer grade of coffee manifest a tendency to stick together and may for this reason not be completely discharged from the space overlaying port 51 even though plate I9 has uncovered said port. This difficulty is, however, overcome by upwardly projecting teeth 99 and SI (Fig. 1'7) carried by plate I9, which teeth project up into the space traversed by vanes 59 and rip and dislodge the coffee above discharge port 5I so that it is fully discharged. A perspective view of one such tooth is shown in Fig. 19. As is evident from Fig. 6, vanes 59 define slots or cut-out portions 92 which enable vanes 59 to clear teeth 99, 9I in their progressive rotational movement.

The dispenser 4| is positioned by bracket 99 (Fig. 1) embracing cylindrical bore 42 of dispenser 5|, the ends of said bracket 99 being secured to shell 4 of tank 3 (Fig. l). The dispenser is thus firmly secured in position in the machine.

That part of the machine by which the predetermined volume of coffee delivered by dispenser 4| and the predetermined volume of water abstracted from tank 3 are commingled to form a mixture of hot water and ground roasted coffee appears in Figs. 1, 5 and 13. Referring to these figures, this part of the device comprises mixer I99 consistin of cone bottom receptacle I9I surrounded by casing I92 and associated means for admixing the coffee and water. Discharge outlet SI of the dispenser is located directly above the mouth of receptacle IiH so that the charge of ground roasted coffee delivered by the dispenser falls directly into said receptacle. The predetermined volume of water abstracted from tank 3 by means hereinabove described is delivered via valve 32 into receptacle I9I by spout I93 (Figs. 1, 5, 6 and 13). The hot water issues from spout I93 in a Well defined stream of considerable velocity through orifice I94 (Figs. 5 and 6).

This 76 orifice may be threaded to the spout so that orifices of different capacity may be substituted for one another if it is desired to change the volumetric capacity of the machine. As indicated in the drawing (Figs. 5, 6 and 13) this stream from orifice I94 is discharged at a non-central angle intermediate between vertical and horizontal and on striking the surface of the liquid already delivered into receptacle I9I it imparts a rotational movement thereto while simultaneously beating down into the liquid any ground coffee floating on the surface thereof. This angle is preferably between 30 and 60 with reference to the horizontal, for maximum efficiency. As a, result the coffee and water introduced into receptacle I9I are thoroughly and efficiently commingled by the velocity of the water introduced and without resort to a mechanical mixing device.

Suitable means is provided for discharging the mixture from receptacle IIJI after it has remained in the receptacle a suitable predetermined period of time. This means comprises a valve of special and novel construction (Figs. 5 and 9). The mixer discharge outlet I95 is centrally located in the cone bottom I96 of receptacle I9I (Fig. 5). This outlet may be closed by the frustro-conical end of poppet-type plug I97. Referring to Figure 9, it can be noted that plug I91 in turn defines a small outlet or discharge orifice I98 which may be closed by conical plug I99 secured to the lower end of push rod H9. These parts are held in alignment by bore III formed in the upper end of plug I9! in which bore push rod I I9 reciprocates. The central portion of said plug I91. is

cut away leaving only two posts I I 4, thus permitting free access of the mixture of water and coffee to orifice I98. When the valve is in the position illustrated in Fig. 5, i. e., with push rod III! in depressed condition, discharge outlet I95 is blocked by plug I91 and orifice I98 is blocked by plug I99. In this position the mixture of coffee and water is of course held in receptacle I9I. At the expiration of a predetermined eriod of time a controlled and uniform stream of the mixture is supplied to the centrifugal separator to be hereinafter more fully described. For this purpose, the pressure on push rod H9 is released whereupon spring I I5 pressing against collar I I 6 pinned to rod II9 forces upwardly said rod and plug I99 carried thereby, thereby uncovering orifice I98. This position of the valve is shown in Fig. 9. The diameter of this orifice and of the rundown tube II'I (Fig. 5) are interrelated. If the rundown tube is too small the requisite rate of fiow cannot of course be maintained and conversely if it be too large it will not carry a solid column of liquid, whereupon suction on orifice I99 will be lost and the rate of flow out of receptacle I9I will fall off rapidly with diminishing level of the material in receptacle I9I. Within these limits the rate of flow from receptacle I 9| is a function of the total height of liquid in said receptacle and said rundown tube I I I and is therefore only limitedly affected by the drop in level in receptacle l9I.

For the purpose of establishing the diameter of the orifice and of the outlet tube the following procedure is recommended. Having established the dimensions of the mixing receptacle and the length of outlet tube required to carry the mixture from the receptacle into the base of the centrifuge, an orifice is provided in the lower end of the outlet tube. Bein so mounted the orifice will at all times beoperatingunder a full head of liquid and the rate of flow will therefore be controlled by the size of the orifice and by the head. Under these conditions, the size of the orifice can be varied until the desired rate of flow out of the mixing receptacle is obtained. In this way it is possible to establish approximately the correct diameter of orifice, and the size of orifice having been so established the orifice is now moved from the lower end of the outlet tube to the upper end of the outlet tube. Two procedures are now available for determining the correct size of the outlet tube to be operated in conjunction with the size of the orifice so established. In one procedure an outlet tube of transparent material such as glass may be temporarily provided and tubes of varying diameter are substituted until with increasing diameter it is found that the tube will not carry a solid column of liquid but that the column will break and will at least partly displace the liquid in the tube, thereby reducing the hydrostatic head upon the orifice. The outlet tube to be adopted in practice should approach the maximum diameter at which a solid column of liquid is obtained under these conditions thereby insuring a uniform discharge of the mixture from the mixing receptacle into the centrifuge coupled with the maximum rate of discharge of the flush water hereinafter referred to. In the alternate procedure an outlet tube of metal may be used and tubes of varying diameter substituted until a diameter is reached at which the outflow from the mixing receptacle through the orifice is not uniform and sustained but pro contra falls off sharply with the reduction of liquid level in the mixing receptacle. Based on these observations the tube to be adopted and installed should approach the maximum diameter at which the rate of outflow from the mixing receptacle is a function of the total head within the mixing receptacle and the outlet tube and is therefore relatively unaffected by a reduction in liquid level within the mixin receptacle.

At the complete end of the operating cycle it has been found necessary to fiush out receptacle "II and at this time and for this purpose squirts of water are tangentially introduced (Figs. 5 and 13) by nozzles IIB. These nozzles are bored in small turrets II9 spun into the inner surface of the side wall of receptacle IDI. A detail view of one such nozzle is shown in Fig. 8. Flush water is carried to said nozzles by annular ring I20 set in the top of mixer I (Fig. and the flush water is carried into ring I20 by tube I2I (Figs. 1 and 5). The means for the supply of flush water to tube I2I is described hereinbelow. During this stage of the operating cycle free discharge from receptacle IOI is desirable and this is accomplished by further lifting push rod IIII so that plug I01 is unseated and the liquid passes out of receptacle IOI through the full opening of discharge outlet I05 (Fig. 5).

Inasmuch as tramp material occasionally finds its way into the dispenser and since such tramp material might plug orifice I08 and thereby disturb the working of the machine, said orifice is surrounded by frustro-conical screen I22 (Fig. 5) This screen is of perforated metal, the perforations being approximately inch in diameter on inch centers. It operates to prevent tramp material finding its way to orifice I08 and also functions as a guide surface for plug IG'I.

The construction of the centrifugal separator and ancillary parts is shown in Figs. 5, '7, 10, 11 and 12. The centrifuge I23 (Fig. 5) preferably of chromium steel or stainless steel, comprises upper tubular section I24 which terminates in inwardly projecting overflow lip I25 and lower tubular section I26 of a diameter greater than section I24. The lower end I25 of centrifuge I23 is spanned by the annular closure I2! carrying the centrally located discharge tube I28. It has been found in practice that the larger particles in the coffee grind are quickly thrown out in the base of the centrifuge and tend to accumulate at this point, but that if the centrifuge is made uniformly large enough in diameter to accommodate this accumulation, the peripheral velocity of discharge from the overfiow lip is so great as to introduce cloud into the beverage. By the spe cial form of centrifuge shown in Fig. 5, the accumulation in the base of the centrifuge is provided for and any tendency to plug as the result of the use of too coarse a grind is obviated, while the upper tubular section I24 of the centrifuge is freed of the load of the coarser particles and a higher clarification efficiency is maintained with minimum peripheral velocity of discharge and minimum cloud. In practice, the centrifuge is started in rotation so that it comes to full speed before plug I09 lifts and orifice I08 is uncovered. Thereafter the mixture of grounds and extract runs at a uniform rate through mixer outlet I05 to tube I I1 and is diverted horizontally from the lower end of tube III by spinning saucer I30.

Referring to Figs. 10, 11 and 12 for details of this saucer, it can be noted that the circumference of this saucer is provided with a series of vertical teeth I31. These teeth act as an impeller ring to increase the velocity with which the mixture of ground coffee and water issuing from outlet tube III is thrown horizontally into lower tubular portion I26 of centrifuge I23. In order to prevent coffee grounds from being retained in said saucer by the inner surfaces of said teeth, said surfaces are inclined downwards, preferably forming a continuation of the radial bevel of said saucer, and may in addition also be provided with lateral bevels as shown in the drawing (Figs. 11 and 12). Saucer I30 is carried by two posts I3I (Fig. 10) forming an upward extension of discharge tube I28, thus leaving a full opening for discharge purposes. The mixture undergoing separation accumulates in the centrifuge in tubular form. The thickness of this tubular body is determined by the inner edge of overflow lip I25. As stated, the larger particles are thrown out in lower tubular section I26 of centrifuge I23 and with continued introduction of fresh mixture the partially separated mixture is displaced upwardly into upper tubular section I24 of the centrifuge. The mixture introduced into the centrifuge may contain some froth and some particles which have associated air or gas bubbles. Such froth and particles might move up along the inner wall of the centrifugal column of liquid but are restrained from so doing by a series of, for instance, four baffles I35 provided in upper tubular section I24 of the centrifuge (Fig. 5). Referring to Figure 7 for a detail view of one of these bafiles it is noted that they are peripherally cut away to form concentric slots I36 through which the mixture passes adjacent the inner wall of upper centrifuge section I24, and are provided with central opening I31 to clear rundown tube Ill (Fig. 5), but are otherwise imperforate so that material cannot flow telescopically up the centrifuge. The battles are secured in position in any suitable manner. When centrifuge I23 is placed out of rotation (by means hereinafter to be described) the coffee grounds discharge by gravity into discharge tube I28 and thence into Waste pipe I33 (Fig. Waste pipe I33 is supported from base I by fitting I34 (Figs. 1 and 5). The centrifuge is driven by motor I92 through belt I39 (Fig. 1) and pulley I40 (Fig.5).

As mixture continues to flow into centrifuge I23 there is a continuous upward displacement of same into upper tubular portion I24 of the centrifuge and clarified beverage is thrown off from the top surface of overflow lip I25. It will be noted (Fig. 5) that the outer peripheral diameter of lip I25 is less than the bore of the upper portion I24 of the centrifuge, thereby reducing the peripheral velocity of discharge. The clarified beverage is caught in the annular trough formed by collector ring I4I (Fig. 5). This collector ring is provided with boss I42 by which it is secured to cylindrical casing I43. By reference to the partial view of collector ring I4I contained in Fig. 15, it will be noted that the beverage discharges from said collector ring through boss I42 into accumulator I44 by means of spout I 45. This spout debauches into thimble I49, forming a hydrostatic seal, the function of which will be hereinafter considered.

Accumulator I44 (Figs. 1, 2, 13, 14 and 15) comprises spaced concentric glass cylinders I4! and I48 (Fig. 14) closed by top and bottom end plates I49 and I59, respectively, held together by rods I3I. Faucet I52 (Figs. 1, 2 and 13) is provided for drawing off the coffee beverage. Bracket I33 (Fig. 14) extends downwards from end plate I49 to support thimble I49. Cover plate I54 (Fig. 13) slidable parallel to top end plate I49 provides access to the accumulator for cleaning purposes. Float I55 verticaly displaceable in housing I39 (Fig. 14) is responsive to the liquid level within said accumulator. This float is provided with vertical guide pin I51, rigidly attached thereto. The operation of this float can be more easily understood by referring to the partial cross-sectional view afforded by Fig. 16. When the level of coffee beverage in accumulator I44 drops below the predetermined level, float I 5 5 and vertical guide pin I51 rigidly attached thereto (Fig. 14) move downwards and collar I58 (Fig. 16) borne by pin I51 (Figs. 13 and 16) presses down on end I99 of channel member IE9 (Fig. 16) pivoted about pin I9I secured in housing I92. End I33 of said channel member is thus raised, closing microswitoh I94 (Fig.1) by means of chain I39 (Figs. 1 and 16), thus maintaining the electrical circuit of my machine closed, as will be described hereinafter below. When coffee beverage has accumulated up to the predetermined level in accumulator I44 float I55 rises, the pressure on end I93 of lever I60 is released and microswitch I34 is allowed to open. Cam I69 (Figs. 13 and 16) is arranged in housing I62 and provided with handle I9! to turn said cam to cause it to bear down on lever end I 03, thus providing manual operating means for the control of microswitch I94 (Fig. l)

Centrifuge I23 is journaled in bearing I09 (Fig. 5). This bearing defines annular space I10, closed by annular ring I68, into which space oil for lubrication is introduced through oil hole "I connecting with force-feed lubrication line I12. The oil moves to the bearing surface through hole I13. Any oil thrown off from the upper surface of bearing I 09 is deflected by apron I14 into annular trough I15, from which it discharges through port IIB-onto shelf III secured to the side wall of the centrifuge and serving to deflect the'oil into annular trough ,I'IB. Similarly any oil passing away from the lower surface of bearing I39 is likewise deflected by said shelf I'I'I into said annular trough I18. Overflow I8I communicating with said trough serves to return the oil via line I82 to the oil reservoir 35? (Fig. 1) to be hereinafter described. The downward thrust of the centrifuge is taken by collar I33 (Fig. 5) secured to the side wall of the centrifuge and riding on the upper surface of bearing I09. This collar also carries depending skirt I84, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described.

After the mixture formed in receptacle |0I has all flowed into centrifuge I23, a batch of plain water at about the boiling point from tank 3 is delivered by valve 32 into receptacle IOI through spout I93. This water flows into centrifuge I23, thereby displacing any extract remaining therein at this time, and insuring that when the centrifuge is stopped, it will not contain beverage coffee and that there will not be a loss of yield as the result of beverage remaining in the centrifuge.

When these operations are concluded, centrifuge I23 is abruptly stopped by means of brake 307 (Fig. l) to be hereinafter described. In this case the residue of grounds and water remaining in the centrifuge continues to rotate for a few seconds until its momentum has become dissipated. This scours and cleans the inner surface of centrifuge I23 and as soon as the momentum has been dissipated in this manner the mixture flows out of the centrifuge through discharge tube I28 and out of the apparatus through waste pipe I33. I

As soon as this has taken place, jets of hot water are discharged against the inner walls of receptacle IOI and of centrifuge I23 thereby completing the cleaning operation.

The means for the accomplishment of this cleaning operation comprises coil I surrounding flue 2i in tank 3 (Figs. 1, 4 and 13) and branching off from water inlet pipe I0 below needle valve I3. The other end of coil I90 communicates via flush control valve I9I (Figs. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 13) with pipe I93. Pipe I93 communicates in turn with conduit I94 (Fig. 5) within casing I02 of mixer I00, which conduit terminates in chamber I91 concentrically arranged about mixer discharge outlet I05 and delivery tube II'I. Flush tube I96 extends downwards from chamber I91, so as to provide an annular space concentrically surrounding rundown tube II'I. This annular space is sealed off slightly above teeth I32 of saucer I39, and flush tube I99 is provided with a multiplicity of orifices I99 forming outlets for the flush water. Tube I2I providing flush water via nozzles H8 to receptacle IIII, as described above, branches off from pipe I93. This tube is provided with U-bend I99 to provide a hydrostatic seal in said tube. Thus when flush control valve I9I (Figs. 1, 4 and 13) is actuated by means hereinafter to be described, water which has been heated in coil I99 to 100 C. and which is under the full pressure of the main water supply, for instance the municipal water system, discharges through orifices I98 and nozzles II9 (Fig. 5) thereby flushing out receptacle IIlI and centrifuge I23 respectively.

As hereinbefore stated, burner 22 (Figs. 1 and 4) heating the water in tank 3 is so controlled, thermostatically, that some boiling is always taking place in the upper part of tank 3 with consequent generation and evolution of steam. This steam passes downwardly through vertical pipe 20[ (Figs. 1, 2 and 13) and thence via horizontal 11 pipe 202 into casing I02 (Figs. 2, 5 and 13). Some of the steam condenses to maintain receptacle IOI, centrifuge I23,"" collector ring MI and associated parts (Fig. 5) at 100 0. thereby insuring efficient operation regardless of the standby periods and also sterilizing centrifuge I23 and collector ring I4I. One part of the excess steam moves downwardly through the bore of centrifuge I23 and out of the apparatus through dis- 7 charge tube I28 and waste pipe I33 (Fig. 5). Any

air that may have been originally in the centrifuge or carried into it from the mixture theretofore separated is thus displaced by steam, thereby eliminating cloud in the finished beverage which would otherwise result from air in the system. The steam is prevented from flowing into the centrifuge bearings by depending skirt I84 (Fig. 5), which operates as a hydrostatic seal, the water for this seal being supplied by the condensation effected at casings I02 and I43. Whenever centrifuge I23 is started this water is thrown out by centrifugal force and flows through drain 204 and conduit 205 to 'waste pipe I33. Another part of the excess steam passes via conduit 206 (Figs. 5 and 15) into the annular space defined by glass cylinders I41 and I48 of accumulator I44 (Fig. 15), thus providing a steam jacket for the coffee beverage contained within said accumulator. Condensate flows to waste pipe I33 through drain 208 (Fig. 14) and pipe 205 (Fig. 5). The hydrostatic seal provided by thimble I46 (Figs. 14 and 15) prevents steam passing into the central portion of accumulator I44 through spout I45.

Having described the constituent parts of the machine by which the beverage is produced I now describe the control or timer by which these constituent parts are operated in the correct temporal sequence. The timer 220 (Figs. 1 and 20- 2 comprises pulley 22I driving, through three reduction gears (not shown in the drawing) contained in reduction gear housing 222, worm 223 which in turn drives gear 224 splined onto jackshaft 226. Pulley 22I is driven by V-belt 225 from motor 22'! (Fig. 1) Referring to Figs. 20- 24, jackshaft 226 carries seven cams by which the said temporal sequence is determined which cams will be hereinafter more particularly described. Said jackshaft 226 is journaled in holes bored in the uprights 228 and 229, which in turn are suspended from the underside of base I (Fig. 1). These uprights are mounted on reservoir cover plate 362, and are further laterally supported by cross-plates 2I6 and 2". Motor 221 is carried laterally by cross-member 230 secured to legs 2 (Fig. 1). Cam rider shaft 23I is likewise journaled in holes bored in uprights 228 and 226. Shaft 232 is secured in brackets 23'! supported on vertical panel 233, this shaft serving as pivot for mercury switches 234 and 235 the purpose of which is hereinafter explained. Panel 233 is cut out to permit the pivoting of these switches. Trough 236 is supported by staybolts 2I8 and 2I9 secured between uprights 228 and 229. This trough (Figs. 1 and 20-24) functions to retain a bath of oil or grease into which the cams dip and which, therefore, provides them with adequate lubrication.

Jackshaft 226 is so geared to timer motor 22'! that it and the cams carried thereby make a complete revolution in one cycle of the apparatus. The construction of the cams will be described by reference to one specific embodiment of the apparatus which has a cycle time of 90 seconds. In this specific embodiment, centrifuge I23 (Fig. 5) has an overall inside length of thirteen inches.

The inside diameter of the base portion I26 is three inches, inside height of this portion two and three-sixteenths inches, inside diameter of upper portion I24 of the centrifuge one and onehalf inches, inside diameter of the overflow lip I25 one inch. Rundown tube H1 is of 6th inch bore and orifice I08 of plug I07 is of 1 th inch bore. This centrifuge is operated successfully at about 5000 R. P. M. with an output of five cups of finished beverage per cycle. The centrifuge may, of course, be operated at higher or lower speeds, if desired, and the output per cycle may be increased or decreased, depending upon the strength desired. With the cycle time and cycle output described. the amount of coffee introduced may be in the proportion of one pound of coffee to about 35 cups of finished beverage or about one pound of coffee to about 45 cups of finished beverage, or in any intermediate proportion.

We are now prepared to discuss the specific designs of the cams and cam riders whereby the requisite control is obtained. Referring to Figs 20, 21, 24 and especially 35, the function of cam 240 is to maintain the precise cycle time of the apparatus and to insure that whenever started in operation, it will continue to operate until its full cycle is completed. Rider 24I is pivotally carried by shaft 23I while projection 243 rides on the surface 244 of cam 240. Rider 24I is connected through link 245 to rocker 246 pivotally carried by shaft 232. Rocker 246 carries mercury switch 234. By reference to Fig. 36 which is a diagram of the wiring circuit, it is seen that mercury switch 234 is in series with timer motor 227. Thus, whenever timer motor 22! is started in operation, as by the microswitch I64 controlled manually or by accumulator float I55, and hence projection 243 climbs from surface 242 onto surface 244, mercury switch 234 will be carried to the on-circuit position and motor 221 will continue in operation until the entire cycle has been completed and the cam rider 24I is returned again down onto surface 242 by the tension of spring 241. One end of said spring is connected to rocker 246 and the other end to panel 233. At this point if switch I64 (Figs. 1 and 36) is open, timer motor 221 and the apparatus come to a complete stop.

The next step in the operation of the apparatus is effected by cam 249 (Figs. -24). A detail view of this cam is shown in Fig. 26. This cam carried by jackshaft 226 controls the operation of the mixer outlet valve I05 shown in Figs. 5 and 9. When timer motor 22! is started projection 250 of rider I carried by shaft 23I climbs to the surface 252 of cam 249, thereby lifting push rod 253. This push rod is connected via link 254 (Fig. 1) pivoted on bracket 255 secured to base I, with rod 248. Arm 256 extends horizontally from rod 243, its outer end being displaceable between collars 257 and 258 on push rod H0 (Fig. 1). Thus when push rod 253 is lifted, arm 256 is depressed and strikes collar 250, thereby pressing downwardly upon push rod H0 and seating plug I09 in orifice I08 (Fig. 5). Projection 250 will be about half-way up the inclined surface of cam 249 when projection 243 (Fig. attains its full lift. This insures that the load on timer motor 221 will be staggered and that mixer outlet valve I05 will not be fully closed until the machine cycle has been definitely started. At the expiration of 42 seconds from the time of initial contact projection 250 runs off surface 252 (Fig. 26) onto surface 259 by rea- 13 son of the pull exerted by spring 260 connected between rider 25I and oil reservoir cover plate 362. In this way pressure on collar 258 (Figs. 1 and 5) is relieved and orifice I68 is permitted to be opened by the upward pressure of spring I I5 operating against collar II6 (Fig. 5). At 83 seconds after the time of initial contact, projection 250 runs off surface 259 (Fig. 26) onto surface 26I. The further drop in push rod 253 causes arm 256 (Fig. 1') to contact with and lift collar 251, thereby lifting the entire valve assembly I01 oif of seat I05 and making available the full discharge opening from the bottom of receptacle IOI.

Returning to Figs. 20-24, the next cam in point of interest is 265. A detail view of this cam is shown in Fig. 29. This cam controls the operation of the mixer water inlet valve 32 shown in Fig. 1. When projection 250 (Fig. 26) has just attained its maximum lift, projection 266 (Fig. 29) of rider 26'. carried by shaft 23!, is about half-way up the surface 263 of cam 265. Projection 266 continues to ride on surface 268 until 20 seconds after the time of initial contact, whereupon projection 266 is returned to surface 289 by the pull exerted by spring 264. While projection 266 was in the elevated position, push rod 2' was lifted, thereby lifting connected yoke 212 (Fig. 1) and opening valve 32 (Fig. 13). In a machine of the specific capacity described, orifice I04 (Fig. 5) is so chosen that approximately five cups of water pass into receptacle I0! during the period that valve 32 is so opened. At the expiration of 20 seconds, valve 32 is closed by the return of push rod 2' and remains closed until 51 seconds after initial contact when projection 266 runs up onto surface 213 (Fig. 29) of cam 265. It continues to ride on this surface 2I3 until 61 seconds after the time of initial contact, whereupon projection 266 runs down onto surface 214 and valve 32 is again closed. From 2.5 to 3 cups of water will have entered receptacle i0I during this period.

Having described the means for closing the mixer outlet valve and for introducing the water, it is now in order to describe the means for introducing the ground coffee.

I have already described the dispenser (Figs. 1, 1'7 and 18) and how by a movement of rod 65 and bracket 64 in one direction the hub 49 was turned during one operating cycle and how by the reverse movement of rod 65 and bracket 64 at the commencement of a succeeding cycle the bottom closure plate was moved horizontally to uncover dispenser discharge outlet 5I, thereby dropping a batch of coffee into receptacle IOI. These operations are controlled by cam 280 (Figs. 20-24). A detail view of this cam appears in Fig. 30. Roller 28I of rider 282 pivotally mounted on shaft 23I runs on surface 283 of cam 280. Rider 282 is provided with bell arm 286 the outer end of which is developed as yoke 28! (Fig. 31) to hold pin 288 on which double clevis 289 is pivoted. Shaft 65 extending through an orifice in base I (Figs. 1 and 30) and secured thereby against translational movement is pivotally connected to said clevis 289 by yoke arm 290 (Figs. 30 and 31). During the operation of the machine, roller 28I is progressively lifted by surface 283 thereby forcing link 289 in the direction indicated by arrow 284. The effect is to move arm 290 and rod 65 through an angle of about 60. It is this movement which (Figs. 17 and 18) turns the hub 49 of the dispenser. The actual rotational movement of the direction to that indicated by arrow 284.

14 wheel is only 45; the overrun of 15 is desirable, however, to make certain that hooks BI and "I2 (Fig. 18) make proper engagement respectively with gear 59 and pin ll. At the expiration of a machine cycle, cam 280 and rider 282 are in the positions indicated in Fig. 30. When a machine cycle is started, roller 28! runs down surface 29I of cam 280. This obviously permits clevis 289 to move under the action of spring 285 (Fig. 1) (one end of which is connected to shaft and the other to base I) in the reverse The corresponding movement of rod 65 (Figs. 1, 17 and 18) operating through bracket 64 moves hook 6I to the position shown in Fig. 18, thereby opening bottom closure plate I0 and dropping a charge of coffee from the dispenser. This operation takes place after mixer outlet I05 (Fig.

5) has been fully closed and before the water from orifice I04 has been fully discharged so that the continued discharge of this water may operate to drive the coffee below the surface of the water accumulated in receptacle IOI and to insure complete mixing. As hereinbefore pointed out the movement of rod 65 caused by the progressive lift of roller 28I also operates to throw hook I2 out of engagement with pin H (Fig. 18), thereby permitting the pull exerted by spring 83 to close door 16.

Cam 300 (Figs. 20-24), next to be considered, controls the operation of centrifuge motor 292. This motor operating through pulley 293 drives pulley I40 (Figs. 1 and 5) of centrifuge I23 via V-belt I39. For this purpose motor 292 is secured to leg 2 of base I (Fig. 1). Referring to Fig. 28, jackshaft 226 carries cam 300. Cam rider 30I pivotally mounted on rod 23! has pro- Jection 302 which rides on the surface of this cam. Rider 30I is connected through link 304 to rocker 305 pivotally carried by shaft 232. Rocker 305 carries mercury switch 235. As projection 302 rides up onto the elevated portion 303 of this surface, link 304 changes the angle of rocker 305. thereby throwing mercury switch 235 carried thereby to the on-position. As is evident from the wiring diagram of Fig. 36, this switch is in series with and controls centrifuge motor 292. To bell arm 306 (Fig. 28) of rider 30I there is pivoted link 3I4, the other end of which is pivoted about pin 3I6 provided in yoke 3I5 of brake drum 30'! (Figs. 24 and 28). Before switch 235 reaches the on-position, link 3I4 is retracted, thereby pulling brake drum 301 and brake surface 308 away from engagement with the outside of lower section E26 of centrifuge I23 (Fig. 1). As shown in Figs. 22-24 brake drum 301 is slidably carried by rods 369 and 3 I 0 mounted in uprights 228 and 229. Springs 3 and 3I2 urge brake drum 30! toward lower section I26 of centrifuge I23 and as soon as projection 302 rides off of the elevated surface 303 these springs apply the brake and arrest the rotation of the centrifuge; simultaneously spring 3I3 connected between rocker 305 and panel 233 returns mercury switch 235 to the off-position, thereby killing centrifuge motor 292.

After centrifuge motor 292 and centrifuge I23 have stopped, suificient time is allowed for the material remaining in the centrifuge to lose its rotational movement and run out of thedevice through discharge tube I28 and waste pipe I33 (Fig. 5). Shortly thereafter receptacle I6! and centrifuge I23 are flushed out through-spray nozzles H8 and orifices I98 (Fig. 5) and forthis purpose flush control valve I9I is actuated ..by

pushing upwardly valve stem !92 (Fig. 1). To this end push rod 326 (Fig. 1) is forced upwardly so that collar 32! borne by the end thereof is raised from its seat on top of sleeve 322 and actuates valve stem !62. The mechanism by which this is accomplished is shown in 32 and 33 in a detail showing of part of the construction of Figs. 1 and -24. Cam 333 mounted on shaft 226 defines a discontinued surface of progressively increasing radius. As the cam revolves, during the machine cycle, it progressively forces upward lever 33! pivotally connected to spacer 328 on the side of upright 229 (Figs. 21, 23 and 32) by pin 332. Thisupward movement cornpresses coil spring 333 positioned by retainers 346 and 34'! against lever 334 which is also pivotally connected to said spacer 323 by pin 335. Attention is called to the fact that the pivot points of levers 33! and 334 do not lie in the same vertical plane (Fig. 32). Lever 334 cannot move upwardly because it is restrained by trigger 336 pivotally connected to spacer 329 on the side of upright 229 (Figs. 20 and 21) by pin 33?. At the exact moment at which it is desired to actuate the flush valve, trigger 336 is forced off of the end of lever 334 by pin 338, thereby releasing lever 334 and actuating push rod 326. The angular divergence between levers 332 and 233i is, however, limited by roller 339 rotatably supported by pin 34!] in oversize bore 32!. Leaf spring 342 tends to hold roller 339 in the position shown in Fig. 34. Housing 343 carried by lever 33! supports pin 346 and spring 243. As soon as the end of lever 33! runs off of the elevated surface 344 of cam 336 both levers 33! and 334 drop and flush control valve I9! is thereby closed, and upon further rotation of cam 333 trigger 336 is reset by means of spring 345 attached between said trigger and stub 346. As the result of this construction the flush valve is either fully on or full off, i. e., there is no intermediate period in which water is being discharged without a vigorous flushing effect and the total time the valve is open may be closely determined by adjustment.

Next to be considered is the foroe-feed lubrication system for the centrifuge bearings. Referring to Fig. 27, cam rider 356 pivotally carried by shaft 23! has projection 35! which rides on the surface of cam 352, mounted on shaft 226. The rotational movement of cam 352 operating through link alternately raises oil pump piston 354. The reverse movement of Piston 3 is effected by spring 356. As can be noted from Fig. 27, there are four strokes of piston 354 during each machine cycle. These movements discharge oil from reservoir 36? through side outlet 366 and tube I12 (Fig. 1) into annular space I10 (Fig. 5) in the upper surface of centrifuge bearing !69. Oil returns to reservoir 35's from annular trough I19 (Fig. 5) through return line !82 (Fig. 1). Oil reservoir cover plate 362 is supported from base I by uprights 228 and 229 (Figs. 20-24), and reservoir 35! is suitably secured to the bottom of said cover plate.

Referring to Fig. for a longitudinal vertical section through oil reservoir and cover plate 362, the reservoir may be periodically r plenished through fill pipe 363. The reservoir is provided with a riser 365 which is connected by duct 366 with the main body of reservoir 35?. If water finds its way into the oil reservoir, as, for example, the result of leakage, carelessness in cleaning, or possibly leakage of steam into the main bearings, the water accumulates in the lower part of reservoir 35'! and the oil is thereby lifted into risers 366 and 310 until the compound head of the water and of the oil resting thereon counterbalances the hydrostatic head of a column of water in riser 365 extending up to outlet 364. Any further accumulation of Water is then automatically rejected through outlet 364 without at any time interfering with normal bearing lubrication. Piston 354 reciprocates in liner 369 provided in pump block 37!, said liner extending upwards through riser 363 (Fig. 25).

The cams illustrated are of suitable outline for a coffee maker operating on an overall 90 second cycle with a production of 5 cups of finished beverage per cycle. I'he following are the approximate times maintained by a timer carrying such cams and which times have been found onentirely satisfactory.

Seconds after Commencement of Cycle 0 Mercury switch 234 and timer motor Determined by projection 243 riding up onto surface 244 of cam 240 (Fig. 35). 5 (a) Mixer Discharge Outlet !65 closes:

Determined by projection 25!] riding up onto surface 252 of cam 249 (Fig. 26). (b) Mixer Inlet Valve 32 opens:

Determined by projection 266 riding up onto elevated surface 263 of cam 265 (Fig. 29). 8 Dispenser Outlet Plate ll] opens:

Determined by roller 23! running down surface 29! of cam 280 (Fig. 30). Dispenser Outlet Plate 10 closes:

Determined by roller 28! running onto a surface 283 of cam 280 (Fig. 30). Mixer inlet Valve 32 closes:

Determined by projection 266 riding down off elevated surface 266 onto surface 269 of cam 265 (Fig. 29). I Mercury switch 235 and centrifuge motor 292 on:

Determined by projection 302 running up on elevated surface 363 of com 360 (Fig. 28). 4 Mixer outlet orifice I68 (Fig.9) opens:

Determined by projection 25!) running off of elevated surface 252 onto surface 259 of cam 249 (Fig. 26). Mixer inlet valve 32 opens:

Determined by projection 266 riding up onto elevated surface 213 of cam 265 (Fig. 29). Mixer inlet valve 32 closes:

Determined by projection 266riding down onto surface 214 of cam 255 (Fig. 29). Mercury switch 235 and centrifuge motor 292 off and brake 30'! applied:

Determined by projection 302 running off of elevated surface 363 of cam 330 (Fig. 28). Mixer discharge outlet I05 opens:

Determined by projection 25!) running off of surface 259 onto surface 26! of cam 249 (Fig. 26).

Seconds after Commencement of Cycle 87 Flush valve I9l opens:

The times for the actuation of oil pump 355 are not critical. It is, however, desirable to introduce the first slug of oil before centrifuge motor 292 is started.

The operatio of my improved coffee maker will be evident from the foregoing description. As soon as the machine is up to temperature which will be evident from the appearance of steam at the waste pipe I33 (Fig. 5) thereby showing that the water in tank 3 is up to the boiling point and that the centrifuge is at a temperature of 100 C., the machine is ready to operate. The dispenser should be charged with ground coffee and for this purpose a relatively fine grind of the order of a corn-meal grind will be found satisfactory. The machine will continue to operate so long as the circuit controlling timer motor 221 is energized by float or manually controlled microswitch I64 (Fig. 36). The residue of coffee grounds rejected from waste pipe I33 may be discharged in any suitable manner. The preferred practice in this regard is to drop the effiuent directly into a waste pipe communicating with the sewer. 1

The foregoing description is furnished by way of illustration and not of limitation, and it is, therefore, my intention that the invention be limited only by the appended claims or their equivalents wherein I have attempted to claim. broadly all inherent novelty.

I claim:

1. In a coffee maker including a vertically disposed centrifuge of the imperforate overflow selfdumping type, a receptacle, a rundown tube extending from said receptacle into said centrifuge and a dispenser, which dispenser has a bottom outlet surmounting said receptacle, and a hub carrying radial vanes forming with said radial vanes a number of charge-forming pockets, which hub is adapted by rotational movement to carry successive charges of ground roasted coffee into position over said bottom outlet and a cover plate overlaying the pocket which is above said bottom outlet, said coffee maker including also means for co-mingling hot water with ground roasted coffee in said receptacle to form a mixture, and a timer operatively controlling the aforesaid elements in a cycle in which hot water and ground roasted coffee are first co-mingled in said receptacle to form a mixture, which mixture is thereafter fed into the said centrifuge by which it is separated into a clarified extract which overflows the said centrifuge and a residue of grounds remaining in the said centrifuge following which said'centrifuge is arrested to dump the said residue, the improvement of a door controlling said bottom outlet and means operatively connected to the said timer to open and close said door at the commencement of an operating cycle and to turn 18 said hub-carryin radial vanes during the remainder of said cycle.

2. In a coffee maker including a vertically disposed centrifuge of the imperforate overflow self-dumping type, a receptacle, a rundown tube extending from said receptacle into said centrifuge and a dispenser, which dispenser has a bottom outlet surmounting said receptacle, and a hub carrying radial vanes forming with said radial vanes a number of charge-forming pockets, which hub is adapted by rotational movement to carry successive charges of ground roasted coffee into position over said bottom outlet and a cover plate overlaying the pocket which is above said bottom outlet, said coffee maker including also means for co-mingling hot water with ground roasted coffee in said receptacle to form a mixture, and a timer operatively controlling the aforesaid elements in a cycle in which hot water and ground roasted coffee are first co-mingled in said receptacle to form a mixture, which mixture is thereafter fed into the said centrifuge by which it is separated into a clarified extract which overflows the said centrifuge and a residue of grounds remaining in the said centrifuge following which said centrifuge is arrested to dump the said residue, the improvement of a door moving in a horizontal plane to open and close said bottom outlet and means operatively connected to the said timer to open and close said door at the commencement of an operating cycle and to turn said hub-carrying radial vanes during the remainder of said cycle.

3. A coffee maker according to claim 2 in which the said door carries at least one projection extending upwardly therefrom through the said bottom outlet.

4. A coffee maker according to claim 2 in which the said door carries at least one projection extending upwardly therefrom into the space traversed by said vanes, said vanes being cut out to clear said projection.

5. A coifee maker according to claim 2 including also a toothed wheel beneath the said dispenser operatively connected to said hub, a stud extending downwardly from the said door, a shaft operatively connected to the said timer extending upwardly beneath the said wheel, arms projecting horizontally from the upper end of said shaft, a first hook pivotally connected to the extremity of one of said arms, coacting with the said toothed wheel and a second hook pivotally connected to the other of said arms coacting with the said stud whereby rotation of the said shaft in one direction turns the said wheel and rotation of said shaft in the reverse direction opens the said door.

6. A coffee maker according to claim 2 including also a toothed wheel beneath said dispenser operatively connected to said hub, a stud extending downwardly from the said door, a shaft operatively connected to the said timer extending upwardly beneath the said wheel, arms projecting horizontally from the upper end of said shaft, a first hook pivotally connected to the extremity of one of said arms coacting with said toothed wheel and a second hook pivotally connected to the other of said arms coacting with said stud whereby rotation of said shaft in one direction turns the said wheel and rotation of said shaft in a reverse direction opens the said door and means for disengaging said second hook whenever said shaft starts to turn in said one direction.

'7. A coffee maker according to claim 2 includ- 'ing also a toothed wheel beneath said dispenser operatively connected to the said hub, 'a stud extending downwardly from the said door, a motor driving said timer, a jackshaft driven by said .motor, a cam defining a discontinuous surface of progressively increasing radius splined to the said shaft, a rider riding on said cam, a .shaft extending upwardly beneath the said wheel, means causing the said rider to move the said shaft slowly in one direction when riding on said continuous surface of progressively increasing radius and to move said shaft rapidly in the reverse direction when running 01f said surface of progressively increasing radius, arms Projecting horizontally from the upper end of ,saidshaftLa firsthook pivotally connected to the extremity of one of said arms coacting with the :said toothed wheel and a second hook pivotally connected to the other of said arms coacting with thesaid stud, whereby rotation of the said shaft in one direction turns the said wheel and rotation of said shaft in the reverse direction opens the said door, and means for releasing said second hook whenever'said shaft starts to turn in the said one direction.

LOUIS BURGESS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

